{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts is open to all and actively welcomes LGBTQ\u002B young people and adults. To learn more about specific terms and definitions, check out\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.stonewall.org.uk/list-lgbtq-terms\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Stonewall\u0027s List of LGBTQ\u002B terms\u0022\u003EStonewall\u2019s list of LGBTQ\u002B terms.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/5c5ltml2/db-20240914-6881-211641min.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Two Explorers are hanging in ropes from a big tree in a forest.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESupporting young people\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIt\u0027s the responsibility of all adults in Scouts to help develop a caring and supportive atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable. \u0026nbsp;Look out for any signs of homophobic bullying and language. See our guidance on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-young-people/anti-bullying/\u0022 title=\u0022Anti-bullying\u0022\u003Epreventing and dealing with bullying.\u003C/a\u003E You may want to create a zero-tolerance policy towards LGBTQ\u002B bullying or discrimination within your Section or Group rules.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPeople may use a wide range of labels to describe their sexual orientation, for example, asexual, pansexual or questioning. It\u0027s okay if you don\u0027t know all of these identities, or what they mean. It might be worth spending some time researching them, or asking your young people what they understand about these identities/what these identities mean to them.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConsider the language used within your section. Think about the impact on young people who may be gay or questioning their sexual orientation. The misuse of \u2018gay\u2019 as a negative is common, such as \u201Cthat\u2019s so gay\u201D. This may lead young people to believe their identity is bad, or wrong, which is damaging for their self-esteem, particularly if young people are just coming to terms with their sexuality or don\u0027t have any positive or supportive role models in their life.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDon\u0027t make assumptions about people\u2019s sexuality.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAct as a role model or ally, regardless of your own sexuality, by being open and raising awareness about all sexual and romantic orientations. You don\u0027t need to be an expert. Adult volunteers who are open, offer positive messages and challenge homophobia will make a real difference in creating a more inclusive environment.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"How can our Group be more inclusive of LGBTQ\u002B members?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAs a role model for young people, you may be approached about a wide range of issues, such as a young person telling you, directly or indirectly, they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. This is commonly referred to as \u201Ccoming out\u201D.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe young person may be very nervous about speaking to someone about their sexual orientation. The fact that they\u0027ve decided to tell you indicates you\u0027re someone they feel they can trust. Offering positive support and validation is vital, as it may be the very first time they\u2019ve told anyone.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are several things you need to consider when a young person approaches you:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBe positive and non-judgemental.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELet the young person talk, and don\u0027t be dismissive. If it\u2019s not appropriate to discuss the matter there and then, arrange a time that\u2019s convenient.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHold the conversation in an appropriate environment. Conversations should be confidential, but with other adults within hearing or sight.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConduct the conversation in accordance with the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReassure the young person that it\u0027s OK. There are many people in Scouts who\u0027re LGBTQ\u002B.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure the young person has the support they need.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep information about the young person\u2019s sexuality confidential, unless given consent from the young person or if there are any safeguarding concerns. Coming out, in and of itself, isn\u2019t a safeguarding concern. If you\u2019re concerned about a young person\u2019s welfare, it would be appropriate to disclose their sexuality if it\u2019s relevant to the situation. For example, if they told you they were worried they might be made homeless if their parents/carers found out about their sexual orientation. All safeguarding concerns should be reported in line with our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Scouts, we don\u0027t expect you to be an expert on this matter and we\u0027ve provided contact details of relevant supporting organisations where you can seek support or direct young people.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What if a young person discloses their sexual and/or romantic orientation to me?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELGBTQ\u002B members can do everything that other members can do, but there are several things you may need to consider on Nights Away or visits abroad.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOn Nights Away:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome LGBTQ\u002B individuals may prefer individual sleeping arrangements, so it\u2019s best to discuss this prior to any camp/event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs with any group of young people, sleeping arrangements should be planned around the particular circumstances. The guiding principle should be that everyone\u0027s comfortable with the arrangements and no one feels singled out.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOn visits abroad:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe aware that some countries aren\u0027t safe for LGBTQ\u002B people to visit. This may be related to cultural attitudes, lack of legal protections for LGBTQ\u002B people or anti-LGBTQ\u002B legislation. Check the laws for the country before you visit and plan ahead. You could also consult the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.asherfergusson.com/lgbtq-travel-safety/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022LGBTQ\u002B Travel Safety Index\u0022\u003ELGBTQ\u002B Travel Safety Index\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What adjustments should I make?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAll families are different and it\u2019s important to reflect this in the language that you use, such as saying \u201Cparents, carers and family members\u201D instead of \u201Cmums and dads\u201D.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou should take positive steps to ensure parents, carers and family members feel included in the wider network of Scouts. This may look like running some of our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=LGBTQ%2B\u0022 title=\u0022Activity Finder - Pride\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=LGBTQ%2B\u0022\u003EPutting Pride in your Programme activities\u003C/a\u003E, displaying a \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/clothing-and-accessories/scouts-pride-flag-48-x-30#selection.size=719\u0026amp;selection.color=34\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scout Store - Scout Pride Flag\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#selection.size=719\u0026amp;selection.color=34\u0022\u003EScout Pride flag\u003C/a\u003E in your usual meeting place, or \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/scout-pride/\u0022 title=\u0022Scout Pride\u0022\u003Eattending a local Pride event.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s vital to avoid assumptions, challenge language misuse and respond to any homophobia to ensure that young people don\u2019t experience indirect bullying or feel unable to talk about who they live with.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How can our Group be more inclusive of young people with LGBTQ\u002B parents and family structures?"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESupporting adults and volunteers\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts is supportive and welcoming to all LGBTQ\u002B people. Some adults may choose to be open about their sexuality and some may wish to keep this private. This is a personal choice, which should be respected.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA volunteer\u2019s sexual orientation has no bearing on their suitability to fulfil a voluntary role in Scouts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/local-teams/volunteering-development-teams/\u0022 title=\u0022Volunteering Development Teams\u0022\u003EVolunteering Development Teams\u003C/a\u003E must adhere to our \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Equality, diversity and inclusion policy\u0022\u003EEquality, Diversity and Inclusion policy\u003C/a\u003E and no member should be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. It isn\u2019t necessary or appropriate to ask questions about an applicant\u2019s sexual orientation.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EVolunteers should be reminded of the Scout values of integrity, respect, care, belief and co-operation, as well as their commitment to our \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Equality, diversity and inclusion policy\u0022\u003EEquality, Diversity and Inclusion policy\u003C/a\u003E and their line manager should support them to change their practice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOften, taking steps to raise awareness of understanding can help. This could involve a discussion, or you could reach out to our UK Inclusion Team for support running a workshop or session.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s the responsibility of all adults within Scouting to act as role models by celebrating diversity and creating a safe, inclusive environment where all members, including our adult volunteers, can enjoy Scouts and be themselves.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere a concern is not addressed or cannot be resolved informally, the \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/scouts-complaints-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts\u0027 Complaints Policy\u0022\u003EScouts\u0027 Complaints Policy\u003C/a\u003E should be followed.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How do I respond to any volunteers in my Group/District/County who aren\u2019t inclusive of LGBTQ\u002B members?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENo one should feel as though they need to hide part of themselves to volunteer with Scouts. Whether you share information about your sexuality or not is your own personal choice, however you should not share information about another volunteer\u2019s sexuality unless they have said they are happy for you to do so.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may want to have conversations with your line manager and other people you volunteer with about what information the team feels comfortable sharing about their own personal lives. If straight volunteers are open about their relationship status, this may help LGBTQ\u002B volunteers feel more comfortable being open about their relationship status as well.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"How do I respond to questions from young people about my own or another volunteer\u2019s sexuality?"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://switchboard.lgbt/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Switchboard: a national LGBTQIA\u002B helpline\u0022\u003ESwitchboard\u003C/a\u003E is a free and confidential support and information LGBTQIA\u002B helpline (telephone: 0300 330 0630)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://hidayahlgbt.com/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Hidayah LGBTQ homepage\u0022\u003EHidayah\u003C/a\u003E is a nationwide charity supporting LGBTQI\u002B Muslims in the UK.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.theproudtrust.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Proud Trust homepage\u0022\u003EThe Proud Trust\u003C/a\u003E is a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps LGBT\u002B young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.rainbow-project.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Rainbow Project homepage\u0022\u003EThe Rainbow Project\u003C/a\u003E works to improve the physical, mental \u0026amp; emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people in Northern Ireland.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022LGBT Health and Wellbeing homepage\u0022\u003ELGBT Health and Wellbeing\u003C/a\u003E aims to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of LGBT people in Scotland.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Further information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out our blog post","body":"","link":{"name":"Lesbian Visibility Week, a chance to celebrate our Lesbian volunteers","id":null,"url":"/news/2023/april/lesbian-visibility-week-a-chance-to-celebrate-our-lesbian-volunteers/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#006ddf","title":"Lesbian Visibility Week, a chance to celebrate our Lesbian volunteers","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out how you can support lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer young members and adult volunteers.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"20 June 2024","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":80073,"nodeName":"Sexual orientation","title":"Sexual orientation","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Sexual orientation","headerSubTitle":"Find out more about supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer young members and adult volunteers","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"006ddf","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"LGBTQ\u002B Support","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/","newWindow":false}]},"subHeader":"Find out how you can support lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer young members and adult volunteers.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MDA3MyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/lgbtqplus/sexual-orientation/"}